American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUCSM) is committed to providing students with a unique learning environment full of diversity, culture, and supportive faculty and staff. At AUCSM, medical students are given the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to provide dynamic healthcare to patients in need. As such, the university is keen on enforcing rigorous standards of student professionalism, academic achievement, and conduct. If a medical student is caught violating these rules, they will be punished, which could include being removed from the medical school program and university altogether.
There are several reasons why medical students would be dismissed from their program, including professionalism violations, misconduct disputes, and academic progression issues. When facing a dismissal from AUCSM, you need a strong defense. Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team understands how difficult these proceedings can be for students. They will work diligently to ensure you have every opportunity to defend yourself from unnecessary punishments.
Your future is on the line. Lento Law Firm can help. Call 888-535-3686 today for help, or schedule a consultation online.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Students who are dismissed from medical school suffer from several mental, emotional, and even physical issues that can sometimes last a lifetime. For instance, if a student is dismissed from her program because she was caught allegedly cheating during an exam, she will be prevented from transferring to another medical school to finish her education. This is because dismissal punishments are noted on your final transcripts. When you attempt to transfer to a new school or program, the admissions office will note the punishment and ask you to explain. Even if you do your best to explain that you have been falsely accused and punished, the admissions office may not take your word for it and decide to bar your entry into their program.
Other reasons why a medical student could be dismissed from medical school include:
- Failing to maintain satisfactory grades.
- Being accused, or found responsible, of academic misconduct, like plagiarism and cheating.
- Exhibiting a lack of professionalism in class, outside of class, and on your rotations.
- Engaging in inappropriate behavior, like binge drinking, substance abuse, or sexual misconduct.
Not all incidents will lead to dismissal; they may still result in a suspension. Any suspensions, but especially more than one, on your record can seriously impact your ability to match a residency after graduation.
Adjudication Process at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
According to the AUCSM student handbook, medical students must behave in a certain way, both professionally and academically. The handbook also outlines how students should be disciplined after an accusation is made that falls within the school's purview. For instance, the Professional Conduct Policy specifies that the school has the right to investigate and resolve reports of supposed misconduct that involves students, whether it happens on or off campus, during the academic year, before classes begin or after they end, or even while on leave from the school.
A conduct violation complaint against a medical student at AUCSM can be filed with either the Student Judiciary Committee (SJC) or the Complaint Coordinator. However, if the complainant opts to file the complaint with the SJC first, the SJC will notify the Complaint Coordinator and ask for permission to review it.
The Complaint Coordinator will review the complaint and approve whether the SJC can review it. If allowed, the SJC will facilitate a mediation between the complainant and the accused student. However, if the Complaint Coordinator decides the SJC should not be reviewing the complaint, they will investigate whether an Administrative Review is appropriate.
During the Complaint Coordinator's investigation, they will meet with the accused student and give them the option to admit or deny the charges. When the investigation concludes, the Complaint Coordinator will decide whether to throw out the accusation or send it for an Administrative Review.
Administrative Reviews at AUCSM differ from other administrative reviews in that a hearing with the accused student is not necessary. The Administrative Review Committee (ARC) has the option to just review the investigation materials and the complaint to form their decision. If a meeting is allowed, both the complainant and the accused student can present their arguments to the ARC. The ARC will review the materials and determine whether the accused student is responsible for the alleged behaviors. If they determine that the student is responsible, they will punish them.
Sanctions at AUCSM might include one of the following:
- Written warning
- Financial restitution
- Non-academic probation
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Loss of privileges
- Fines
- Restitution
- Revocation of degree
- Rescinding admission
Appeals Process
It is important to note that all medical students have the right to appeal the ARC's decision. To do so, the accused student must file their appeal in writing to the University Dean within five semester days of the ARC's decision. Additionally, the appeal must state the reason for the appeal and explain the basis for the appeal. The only bases the AUCSM will respond to are:
- New evidence is available now that was unavailable at the time of the investigation that would affect the outcome of the ARC's decision.
- Procedural irregularities in the complaint process affected the outcome of the case.
- The ARC's final decision was not reasonable, given the evidence gathered during the investigation.
The University Dean has ten semester days to render their decision on the appeal. If they believe one of the three appeals bases listed above is present, they will convene an Appeal Committee to review the appeal and decide whether the ARC's decision should be accepted, amended, or rejected all or in part. Once they have made their decision, though, it cannot be appealed further. However, in most situations, Lento Law Firm will contact the university's Office of General Counsel to advocate for you further.
How an Experienced Education Law Firm Can Help
You have worked so hard to get where you are today. Do not let some misunderstanding or false accusation prevent you from achieving your dreams. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will work diligently by your side to gather evidence and witness testimony, guaranteeing you the best possible outcome for your case. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online. Lento Law Firm can help.
